Augusta Delays Rate Hike and Recycling as Waste Haulers Get 90-Day Extension
In the bustling city of Augusta, there’s a bit of good news for garbage customers as the city commissioners have decided to extend its current agreements with two waste haulers for another 90 days. Yes, you heard that right! Garbage service will continue into the new year, but the recycling service and any rate hikes are still very much on hold.
The Background
During the last meeting for outgoing commissioners Sean Frantom and Bobby Williams, the Augusta commission went head to head over new contracts with the waste haulers, Coastal Waste and Recycling and Georgia Waste Systems, which is part of Waste Management. With a heated discussion simmering in the air, Williams put forth a motion to approve the Engineering and Environmental Services Director Hameed Malik’s recommendation of these two haulers, but it was met with disappointment, failing with a vote of 5-4.
Why the Opposition?
Some voices, including Mayor Garnett Johnson and Commissioners Brandon Garrett and Alvin Mason, were absent during this critical discussion, which only added to the controversy. Williams argued that delaying the decision is simply “kicking the can down the road,” which he fears is only going to cost the city more in the long run. “The wise thing would be for this body to go with the recommendation that the department recommended,” Commissioner Jordan Johnson chimed in.
The Cost of Inaction
Currently, Augusta’s garbage customers are paying about $320.50 a year on their property tax bills for garbage and recycling services. However, as many may know, recycling has basically been on pause and being diverted to garbage since before the hurricane hit. Malik clarified that under the new contract, the haulers will have to reinstate recycling collection for customers.
Adding to the mix, Malik revealed that the hauler with the highest score in the city’s bid process was Georgia Waste Systems. If you’re wondering about the budget, it turns out the extended contracts will cost the city roughly $1 million. City Administrator Tameka Allen noted that the city has funds available in its waste collection account to cover this extension, but how it might affect the overall budget will depend on the collection rate set by the commissioners.
A New Year, A New Decision?
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle was the brave soul who moved to approve the extension, which passed with a clear 9-1 vote, leaving only Williams opposed. During these discussions, Frantom made a call to the group to finalize the contracts as soon as possible in the upcoming year, emphasizing that “it looks like it’s going to cost us” if they wait any longer.
As the community stews over this delay, residents hold their breath waiting to see how the decisions made in the new year will affect their waste and recycling services. The message seems clear: a little patience now may spare Augusta more headaches later on.
The Road Ahead
The situation remains fluid, and folks around Augusta are hoping for a positive change in how waste management is handled soon. Whether the city settles on one or two haulers or finalizes the long-awaited contracts earlier in 2024 may put many residents at ease. Until then, Augusta’s garbage service should continue without interruption, even while the pressure mounts on the commissioners to come up with a solution that benefits everyone!
